Counselling for Gay and Queer Men in Australia
Based in Melbourne, supporting men online across Australia
From the outside, you may appear steady, capable, and holding everything together
Underneath, there can be anxiety, disconnection, or a quiet exhaustion from carrying so much for so long
You do not have to keep doing this by yourself
You might recognise yourself here
Constant overthinking that doesn’t switch off
Burnout or emotional exhaustion
Feeling alone, even in relationships
Shame or harsh self-criticism
Questions around intimacy or sexual health
Navigating identity, ageing, or belonging
Step 1 — Book your first session
A simple starting point. A space to talk and begin understanding what’s going on
Step 2 — We find a pace that works
Online across Australia or in person in Melbourne
Step 3 — A steady therapeutic process
We slow things down and work through what matters, at your pace
A limited number of sessions are available each week
Not sure? Start with a Discovery Call
Men's and LGBTQ+ Counselling
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A safe space to talk
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Men's and LGBTQ+ Counselling + A safe space to talk +
BENT - Boldy Exploring & Nurturing Together
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You don't have to do this alone
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BENT - Boldy Exploring & Nurturing Together + You don't have to do this alone +
Bent Couch offers structured, non-judgemental therapy for gay, bisexual, and queer men. This is a space where you can explore what is happening beneath the surface and work through it steadily.
You might be facing anxiety, low moods, relationship strain, shame, grief, burnout, or identity questions. Whatever brings you here, we focus on practical change and emotional steadiness, not quick fixes.
You do not have to navigate it alone.
Counselling that helps YOU
Build resilience.
Strengthen self-acceptance.
Move forward with greater clarity.
Why Bent Couch?
Bent Couch is built specifically for gay, bisexual and queer men.
I created this practice because I understand how layered our lives can be. Identity, culture, family, masculinity, relationships and belonging often intersect in ways that are not always understood in general counselling spaces.
I am a registered counsellor, a proud Wotjobaluk man, a dad, and someone who came out later in life. That lived experience, alongside over 20 years in healthcare, informs how I work.
Therapy here is:
• Direct but compassionate
• Structured but flexible
• Grounded in real-life experience
• Focused on emotional steadiness and practical change
Bent Couch is not about labelling you. It is about helping you understand how you adapted, why those patterns formed, and how to reshape them in ways that feel more honest and sustainable.
If you are looking for a space where you do not have to explain the basics of who you are, you are in the right place.
Testimonials
“Shaun has been invaluable to me in my journey to be the real and happy me. He follows up to be sure I’m doing okay and to offer assistance should I need it. He is responsible for a large support network where people like me can connect and not feel alone. I HIGHLY recommend him.” — Ray
Shaun has helped me through several personal issues dealing with my children, my grandchildren and the rest of my family. With his support I have had the strength to confront some really strong issues, including the fact that my youngest grandson is gay, and I was able to help him come out and keep support from the family at age 15.” — Cary
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Everyone is welcome on our couch
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Everyone is welcome on our couch +
Let’s Connect
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Let’s Connect +